Five core values — fellowship, service, diversity, integrity and leadership — guide the Rotary mission. It is the fellowship and the service that make Rotary the vital organization that it is, she said. Those two values are what really inspire members to support youth exchange, water and sanitation projects, literacy and polio eradication.

The key to sustainable community development, the governor said, is to build relationships before we build stuff. A project model used in Nicaragua gets her endorsement. First help the local people dream. Then, figure out how they can achieve those dreams and then set it all in motion.

She reminded us of the underpinnings of successful humanitarian service. We need strong, active clubs and an enhanced public image. People need to know what we do and how we do it.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful , committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Mini-Classification:

Charlie Cogan’s life changed when he went to Togo as a Peace Corps volunteer in the mid-1980s. He met his wife there, and they now have three children and a grandchild. He joined Rotary in 1988 while living in Evanston, Ill. He saw the organization as a vehicle to improve health care in Togo after his wife’s younger brother died there. Charlie continues to see the opportunity to improve lives and build understanding through Rotary.

— Wow! Despite this year’s frigid temperatures — coldest Thanksgiving since Hoover was president, according to Rob Bierman — the Turkey Trot netted more than $17,000. Again, wow! We had 900 run-walkers registered and a courageous 800 took the plunge, I mean made the run. Greg Carlson, Rotary’s human Timex — he keeps on ticking — took club bragging rights for the umpteenth year. Nice job everyone.

— If you have a nomination for this year’s Good Neighbor Award, talk to Erica Zweifel. Nominees who give expression to the Rotary motto “Service Above Self” will be considered. They must be a resident of the Northfield School District. Rotary members and their family members are not eligible. Check our web site for a nomination form. Nominations need to be in by Thursday, Dec. 18. Last year’s award went to Margit Johnson; Zach Pruitt received it the year before that.

— Rotary is responsible Meals-On-Wheels delivery the first two full weeks of January. If you are interested in driving, let Lynne Pederson know.

— Congratulations to Beth Kallestad and the Cannon River Watershed Partnership for winning an $88,213 grant from the Bush Foundation and also to Todd Thompson, whose “kickstart” appeal generated $10,000 for music education in Guatemala. Matt Hillmann finally completed his doctorate degree from Minnesota University Mankato. He finished his academic career just two years before his eldest son is ready for college.